Financing
General
First, you must have a realistic expectation of the costs involved in attending graduate school- it can be very expensive. Financial assistance exists in several forms. Listed below are brief descriptions of the types of aid available for graduate students beyond Federal loans. Be sure to check the International Education and Fellowships Program (IEFP) library (55 Whitney) for more detailed information, or visit the IEFP web site.
Fellowships and Grants
Awarded by federal and local governments, private organizations, and institutions of higher education, fellowships and grants come in different types and sizes. Many provide tuition and a stipend. Most are granted on the basis of academic merit; therefore, it is important to apply for those which match your interests and strengths. Not everyone will be eligible to compete for major national awards, but there are many other, less well-known, fellowships and awards that are worth investigating. Be sure to check the Fellowships Program library (55 Whitney) for more detailed information, or visit the IEFP web site.
Work Programs
Teaching Assistantships: These are most typically awarded to second semester or second year graduate students, though some may be available during your first semester. Many include a tuition waiver and stipend in exchange for you working (up to twenty hours per week)- leading a discussion section, supervising a lab, or grading papers. In some public universities, if an assistantship doesn't cover the entire tuition bill, out-of-state students may find they are only responsible for in-state tuition.
Research Assistantships: These are also awarded by the institution, and most often to second semester or second year graduate students, though again some may be available during your first semester. In return for assisting a professor with research, you will likely receive a partial or full tuition waiver and a stipend.
Employee Work/School Programs: Some employers will assist you in paying for your graduate education. Speak to the Human Resources or Student Employment departments for information and eligibility requirements.
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